I liked it but I had a few questions. First, the heat didnt seem to be working. Any idea what would need to be repaired? The doors has straps to keep them from swinging out to far. Is this standard on all TJs? Lastly and most importantly. I saw light surface rust on some of the undercarriage parts. The drive train has a layer as well as parts of the bumper around the winch. There was also lots of rusted over bolts as well as some rust on the wheel hubs. Is this pretty much something that happens on older jeeps or was this one in particular just poorly taken care of. It has a clean carfax except for 2 failed emissions tests. Any idea what would cause that? Is this a sign that the engine may have trouble?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

steam

02-10-2010 05:01 PM

If it helps: A friend of mine got a 4 door Wangler Unlimited with 14K miles, warranty, great condition and complete service history from Enterprise car rental, they sell the units in 2 and 4 door units. The reliability is excellent and they stand by their warranty...might be worth checking. He is VERY happy with his Jeep. I would also look for something newer than 2000.

Geoff@Bestop

02-10-2010 05:07 PM

Heat: unfortunately not an uncommon problem. Might be as simple as flushing out the hoses, might need new heater box. Do a search for the several threads talking about this problem.

Door straps: the limiter straps are standard.

Rust: I'd hate to answer that, not knowing what a "light layer" means exactly. On a 2000, I'd expect some rust around hinges, I certainly wouldn't be bothered by some on the bumper around the winch plate, or the spare tire carrier. But again, it's really hard to judge the degree of rust you're talking about. Easy enough to compare to other Jeeps on other lots though!

chucky cheese

02-10-2010 05:19 PM

10 grand for a 2000, go for a later model.

Vaultzz

02-10-2010 05:30 PM

You'd have to buy a spare tire too since it looks like the spare on there is the stock tire

jpoutlaw

02-10-2010 06:14 PM

For $10k my heat better work.

Seb656

02-10-2010 06:20 PM

No way I would buy for that price. Would need to talk them down abit and get some things fixed.

Rocky Bar

02-10-2010 07:22 PM

Interested

We just bought a 97 TJ with 78k on od, has 3" lift, ARBs front & back, Banks exhaust system, winch, 33 BFGs, short arm lift, hard-top, locking trunk, cb, stereo / amp, etc,etc, for 9k, and we love it. With any used rig you will find some stuff to fix. (ours was change-out fluids, shocks, brakes). Like the color combo and stuff done to that one. (hardtop, lift, winch, stereo, seat covers, rims / tires, all that stuff adds up when putting it on.) Bet you can deal an out the door price with them. Point out your issues when beating them down, or get them to fix the failed test issue.
Keep us posted. Cheers.:)

InfernoGirl

02-10-2010 08:03 PM

You'll be wanting to sell the hard top and full doors in TX, I'd think. Should make a buck or two there.... Good luck with your purchase, it's a nice looking Jeep. Some surface rust is normal esp. on the undercarriage parts, and bolts seem to rust after about two weeks. The exhaust is probably entirely rusted, mine was on my 01 last spring when I bought it, but it's not a big thing.

Bobthegod

02-10-2010 08:17 PM

Three rules buying a car from dealer
1. Never pay asking price
2. Never pay asking price
3. Never pay asking price
So with that said if this is what you want, point out everything you saw, tell them you have to PAY to fix it and reduce the price for it. Get it down $2-3000 and then your talking purchase.

Most important rule: DON'T BE AFRAID TO WALK AWAY!!! Why? Because they will ALWAYS call you back. Make sure you act like a raving maniac when talking price. Remind them your not paying for anyones vacation, or bonus, or anything. They will do anything to keep you there. It may take a couple of days to buy it.....but who cares, saving some $$$$ is what it's all about. Good luck, and have fun.

Seb656

02-10-2010 09:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by InfernoGirl
(Post 543203)

You'll be wanting to sell the hard top and full doors in TX, I'd think. Should make a buck or two there.... Good luck with your purchase, it's a nice looking Jeep. Some surface rust is normal esp. on the undercarriage parts, and bolts seem to rust after about two weeks. The exhaust is probably entirely rusted, mine was on my 01 last spring when I bought it, but it's not a big thing.

I plan on keeping the hardtop and doors and possibly getting some if I buy a soft top jeep. I live in the city and would prefer to make it a little less convenient to people breaking into my car. Plus I just like the look of the hardtop. I will just end up taking off the doors and top completely in the summer if its nice out. This will be my backup / rainy day / feeling lazy car. I ride my motorcycle on a daily basis.

compshooter

02-10-2010 11:15 PM

One would think that they would at least kinda make the fog lights straight. Anyway, I think $10K is too high for a Jeep with 91K on the clock. Sorry, but if that is the going rate, my '99 is for sale with NO rust, winch, locker (rear), armor, full cage, 37.5K on the odometer for the low low low price of a 92 rusted out KIA.

TJNewbie

02-11-2010 03:04 AM

Yea, I'd say that's a bit much. I just bought a 2000 tj with 113,000mi for 7000. and it was well taken care of. you should be able to find a better deal in Tx.

mrcarcrazy

02-11-2010 08:24 AM

90 Attachment(s)

Jeeps run a premium in TX. my 01 w/ 115k was 9k (6 months ago)...but it didn't have any rust, no hardtop though. Others like it were going for 13k around here. All the hunters buy up the jeeps...so selection is generally slim.

I think you should be able to get that thing for 8-9k if not I'd pass and keep looking...you don't want to pay for someone else's mods. Personally I like the full doors. But I'd sell the hardtop.

CMEvans79

02-11-2010 08:35 AM

I have a 99 that I just bought last Sept. with less miles than that and for less than that ... after my trade in.

burton160w

02-11-2010 09:31 AM

I just purchased my 99 back in Nov. with similar specs to that for $6k. The price is high, but it is a dealer, so you know you have some wiggle room. My suggestion is to pull up an Edmunds pricing (edmunds.com) and bring it in with you. Tell 'em that your bank that you're getting the loan from will only go as high as this number ;).

For $10k I would crtainly expect the heat to work, but typically, fixing 'em isn't too difficult a job. Post what's exactly wrong with it, and maybe we'll have some suggestions.

The strap is standard on all doors. It prevents the door from swinging all the way around and smacking your fender flare (I'm missing one).

While every ones definition of light surface rust is different, some brown should be expected underneath for a 10 year old vehicle. Holes are a big no-no, but some surface USUALLY is no bigger then sand it down and spray it.

My big suggestion is to make sure everything else works. Seats flip correctly, engine is clean, lights, and be sure that winch pulls out and tucks in properly. No use paying for something that's broken. Since it is a 2000, I would even go so far to take it to a gas station and fill up $5 to make sure it fills up properly. Some 1997-2000 have an issue where the line is kinked and doesn't fill properly.

ps49556n

02-11-2010 09:38 AM

Seems like the dealer is adding a hefty premium for the aftermarket parts that are on the vehicle.....I would definitely stay away from an already modified jeep unless that is what you are specifically looking to purchase. You are better off buying a stock wrangler ans saving the money on parts that YOU didn't choose.

The rust you mentioned sounds like nothing too bad but without pics we cannot help much. More importantly....lift up the carpet throughout the inside of the jeep and look for interior rust...

The heat issue could be a number of things. I picked up an 06 in oct and after I had signed the papers and given the check, I go to inspect everything again...heater is blowing cold air through the vents...salesman brings the jeep into the service center and the problem is that there is a leak in the vacuum lines for the HVAC system....they replaced the HVAC control unit and problem solved. Your problem could be the same or it could be a poorly maintained cooling system/heater core.

As others have said, local prices do differ greatly across the country...I know in places like the carolinas down to florida jeeps are in abundance....

T-BONE N BIXBY

02-11-2010 09:54 AM

I like the jeep...yellow/black is sweet.
I agree with jpoutlaw....for that price, my heater better work.
Now, I live in Oklahoma and purchased my stock 2002 for $7500 w/ 112g miles. They were asking $8900, so I'll bet you have some wiggle room. (I paid cash for mine though, so if you're financing, they may be harder to budge)

The straps on your doors keep your door from swinging all the way open and hitting your fender flares. Don't make the same mistake several have made, and let the wind blow your doors open, even with that strap in place. TWIST the strap a couple, and it will limit how far it opens.

mrcarcrazy

02-11-2010 11:01 AM

90 Attachment(s)

get on kbb.com, and edmunds.com

Run the numbers for the jeep in your zip. pay less than what they say dealer retail is. as close to trade in as you can. but definitely don't pay more than dealer retail.

When I bought mine, retail was 11k for an 01 with the miles I have, and the options I have in my zip. so what is considered "high" in some parts of the country was low here.

Ben

Glenn54

02-11-2010 12:24 PM

I just purchased a 2000 Wrangler from an individual for $7,000. Very similar to the one you are looking at in Spring. My Jeep has 129K miles, Automatic, AC, no wench, softtop only, new Alpine stereo, new tires. Overall it's in pretty good condition. If you could get the one you're looking at for about $8,000, I'd go for it. Does the one in Spring have AC? I didn't see it on the ad.

Seb656

02-11-2010 02:19 PM

Yes it has AC. Thanks for all the help guys. I am going to look around Some more. I found a silver 03 with hard doors and a 120k on the clock for 9,250. Its bone stock. If I can get them down a thousand or so and it looks in good condition then I may go with that. Heres the link:

I liked the yellow jeep, but it did seem abit wobbly. Perhaps it was just the big tires. I like the mods it has but in all honesty I dont know how much I would need a winch, lift, mud tires etc. As I said this would be something to get me around when the weather is bad, I need to go shopping, I want to go to the beach, or I am just plain being lazy. While going offroading is awsome, I dont know how much I will be doing. Any and all financing would be through my bank (I have 5k cash on hand from the sale of my previous car).

Edit: I need to drive a stock jeep or two before I decide for sure. I went offroading in my godfather's jeep (which was stock) one time a few years back, and I fell in love.

jskinn27

05-04-2010 09:49 AM

id also recommend going for a newer model, i bought my 97 wrangler sport for 8k, BUT it has 10k in upgrades with reciepts. id also suggest checking craigslist or something. thats where i got mine. but you have to be careful, if you have a buddy/family member who knows cars have them check it out with you. just an idea though

JayJohnson

05-04-2010 02:52 PM

Be thankfull your not in So Cal. Bone stock 01's with 110k+ miles sell for 9 to 10k.

I suggest watching craigslist. Thats how I found mine. If you are able to pay for it with out financing I would avoid a dealer. Just know what to look for on the Jeep for abuse.

While I was looking I was checking craigslist several times a day to see new adds coming up. I suggest though that you create a secondary email for responding to adds because there are scammers out there. Its retarded but you wouldnt believe how many scammers I found. Nice jeeps at stupid prices.

I emailed on 2 seperate jeep and got identical emails back just different names saying they were in the military stationed in alaska and would ship the jeep via military cargo. And that the money would be held via ebaymotors blah blah .... I should post the emails you guys would get laughs at them.